FOREIGN RELATIONS, 1946, VOLUME VI



  M. Kolarov protested that the Opposition Parties had been offered
participation in the government but that they had first insisted that
the Chamber, which had been freely elected by the people, should be
dissolved.
  I thereupon asked M1. Kolarov -\whether, if this stipulation were
writhdrawn in view of the holding of elections in September the gov-
ernment would come to terms with the Opposition. M. Kolarov
replied that if the Opposition were prepared to co-operate, the govern-
ment would be glad to find a settlement on these lines.
  I think it would be well if we could consider the advisability of
asking our representatives in Sofia to make a joint approach to the
Bulgarian Government and the Opposition on these. lines and see
whA-hat they can do to bring about a situation which would permit both
the (rovernment anid the Opposition Parties to participate in the. Sep-
tember elections. I feel that. the moment to do this is now and that
there is a danger that, if we postpone our efforts to achieve solution,
wNe may delay indefinitely the conclusion of a Peace Treaty with
Bulgaria, with the consequence that the Soviet troops would have a.
pretext. for remaining in the country.
  I would not wish to take any step, however, without knowing that.
the United States Government share our views and would take similar
action in Sofia. I should therefore be very glad to have your opinion.
  Yours sincerely,                                  ERNEST BEVIN

874.00/7-146: Telegl-ram
The -Ambassador in Fiwicve (Caffery) to the Acting Secretary of State

SECRET                                PARIS, July 1, 1946-4 p. In.
                                     [Received July 2-6: 05 a. in.]
  32039. Following is summary of conl versation between the Secretary
llcnd Kolarov, President of Bulgarian National Assembly.
  Kolarov maintained that the Bulgarian people had been completely
unwilling, to participate in the war against the Allies anid had in fact.
made a considerable military contribution to the war against Germany
after the Sept-ember 4 coup d'etat. He felt that that entitled Bulgaria
to favorable treatment in the peace treaty and specifically felt that
Greek tedritorial claims should be rejected tind that no further repara-
tions would be exacted. He also felt that the Bulgarian Army should
not be limited. He insisted upon Bulgarian desire for friendship
with western countries and stated anxiety for the resumption of trade
w-ith USA and for American economic help in the industrialization
of Bulgaria. He insisted that the Bulgarian Government represented
an overwlhelining majority of the Bulgarian people and maintained



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